The only way to sly

Paul Smith as Sideman




By Derrick Bang



As I noted when compiling Paul Smith's albums as leader, years back, documenting his many assignments as a sideman remained a "work in progress." Very slow progress, as it turned out; the challenge has been monumental. Numerous articles and interviews -- made during his lifetime -- noted that he had backed many, many vocalists and artists on "more than 150" albums.

During one memorable plane trip, Smith, Keter Betts (bass) and Bobby Durham (drums) backed Ella Fitsgerald during an impromptu performance while flying at 35,000 feet (shown in the photo above).

I'm therefore certain the following document is incomplete ... but I'm also confident that it's an excellent start. Fans are encouraged to contact me with supplemental information, but with a strong caveat: Any suggested album entries must be well-documented: ideally because you actually own the album, or can cite a relevant passage from some jazz great's biography, and so forth.

This need for care is essential, for several reasons. Much of the information below was sourced (or verified) at five massive databases: Richard Di Filippo's frankly awesome Enciclopedia Del Jazz; the Jazz Discography Project, handled by Nobuaki Togashi, Kohji Matsubayashi and Masayuki Hatta; discogs; jazzdiscogcorner; and allmusic.com. Unfortunately, they sometimes contradict each other; on several occasions, I had to (reluctantly) delete an entry, due to uncertainty.

Smaller, artist-specific databases also were quite helpful. Pat Boone's entry at Praguefrank's Country Music Discographies, for example, answered several questions. God bless the Internet's fan base!

UPDATE 3/31/22: Many, many thanks to fellow Paul Smith fan Harry, from across the pond, who shared the frankly staggering Capitol Label Discography, compiled by Michel Ruppli, Bill Daniels, Ed Novitsky and Michael Cuscuna. It led to the addition of dozens more entries, while also clearing up some points of confusion.

As I've mentioned elsewhere, the hunt also was made difficult by the impressive number of other musicians named Paul Smith. In addition to the three cited in "our" Smith's primary album discography, I came across keyboardist Paul Smith, who worked with Bill Withers and Ike Turner (among others); Paul Smith, an electronic DJ/producer also known as Spinback; and Paul Smith, a hip hop MC/producer. Mind you, it was easy to dismiss their efforts, once identified and investigated, but it still took time.

Nor did our Paul Smith have anything to do with Herb Alpert's Rise, despite Wikipedia's claim to the contrary.

Then there was the issue of an eyebrow-raising claim made in obituaries published following Smith's death in 2013. Several British newspapers -- notably The Guardian and The Telegraph -- included a sentence along these lines: "[Smith's] stellar performances and collaborations include jazz greats: Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Sammy Davis Jr., Doris Day, the Andrews Sisters, The Beatles, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Mercer [and] Sarah Vaughn."

Uh ... The Beatles?

Aside from the obvious fact that The Beatles hardly were "jazz greats," there's no indication that Smith had anything to do with the Fab Four. Let's just say I await proof.

(I do note, however, that celebrated British fashion designer Paul Brierley Smith unveiled a line of Beatles-themed luggage, men's suits and accessories right around the time our Paul Smith died ... so it's possible that a careless newspaper research intern, assigned to Smith's obit, snatched a "collaborative detail" without investigating it. If so, the error subsequently was replicated in quite a few American newspapers.)

The other names on that list -- and other similar lists, in American newspaper obits -- are easily verifiable. Jimmy Durante, on the other hand, seems an unlikely choice ... although he did appear twice on Dinah Shore's popular prime-time variety show (12/1/57 and 10/12/58), while Smith was part of her studio orchestra, so I suppose that counts.

Smith's own mini-bio sheet, given to publicists prior to public appearances, mentions that he "recorded and played for top talent including Pearl Bailey, Rosemary Clooney, Edie Adams, Billy May, Marty Paich, Ray Anthony, Alfred Newman, Joni James, Toni Tennille, Mel Torme, John Green and Paul Weston."

A few additional names appeared in newspaper stories over time: notably Tony Bennett, Vikki Carr, Tony Martin and Jo Stafford.

Paich was a talented composer/arranger; Green and Newman are best known as film composers. All the others are musicians or singers.

Many of the albums and singles on the following list are quite old and obscure. Smith began his career recording on 10-inch 78RPM shellac discs, which in many cases were subsequently reissued as 7-inch 45 singles, which then sometimes were gathered onto standard LPs. Most survived the test of time, in one form or another; some didn't. Digital availability is indicated, when known ... but quite a few of the CDs also have gone out of print, and have become extremely difficult to find. Fortunately, digital downloads are available in some of those cases.

And so, without further ado ... the list!

********



Edie Adams

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Van Alexander and his Orchestra

The Home of Happy Feet (1959). Four tracks: "Chant of the Weed," "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo," "Let's Get Together" and "Ride, Red, Ride." Available digitally.

Steve Allen and the Steve Allen Big Band

Steve Allen's 75th Birthday Celebration (1997). Smith shares piano duties with Allen, among many other performers. Available digitally.

David Allyn with Johnny Richards' Orchestra

A pair of Discovery 45 singles (both 1949):
"It Never Entered My Mind"/"Wait Til You See Her"
"It Can't Be Wrong"/"When Love Comes"

All are available digitally on the compilation David Allyn: Where You At? -- '41-'63.


David Allyn with the Paul Smith Group

A pair of Discovery 45 singles (both 1950):
"The Touch of Your Lips"/"I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me"
"Did You Ever See a Dream Walking"/"I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me"

All are available digitally on the compilation David Allyn: Where You At? -- '41-'63.


Ray Anthony and his Orchestra

Capitol Records 45 singles:
"Sign Post"/"Air Express" (1954)
"I Don't Hurt Anymore"/"Cat Dancin' " (1954)
"Rockin' Through Dixie"/"Bullfighter's Lament" (1955)
"Hornblower's Serenade"/"Baby You" (1955)
"Juke Box Special"/[Smith not involved] (1955)
"Big Band Boogie"/[Smith not involved] (1955)
[Smith not involved]/"The Lonely Trumpet" (1957)
"Peter Gunn"/"Tango for Two" (1958)

Saddle Shoe Shuffle (1954 EP). One track" "Midnight Curfew."

Swingin' on Campus (1955). Four tracks: "Chloe," "This Lady's in Love with You," "Undecided" and "What Can I Say (After I Say I'm Sorry)."

Swing Fox Trots (1955). Four tracks: "Can't Get Out of this Mood," "I've Never Been in Love Before," "Let's Get Lost" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street."

Big Band Dixieland (1956). All tracks. Available digitally, along with numerous additional tracks (not involving Smith), as Dixieland Swing.

Standards (1956). Four tracks: "All of You," "Night and Day," "Pennies from Heaven" and "'S Wonderful." Not to be confused with the CD compilation Ray Anthony Plays the Standards, which is entirely different.

Jam Session at the Tower (1956). Three tracks: "How High the Moon," "One O'Clock Jump" and "Perdido." Available digitally.

Daddy Long Legs (1956 EP). Three tracks: "Dream," "Sluefoot" and "Something's Gotta Give."

The Girl Can't Help It (1956 EP). One track: "Big Band Boogie."

Ray Anthony Plays for Dream Dancing (1956). Four tracks: "I Only Have Eyes for You," "I'll Never Smile Again," "Out of Nowhere" and "This Love of Mine." Available digitally, paired with Anthony's Plays for Dancers in Love (which doesn't involve Smith).

Moments Together (1958). All tracks. Available digitally, paired with Anthony's Dream Girl (which doesn't involve Smith)

Anthony Italiano (1959). All tracks.

Sound Spectacular (1959). Smith shared keyboard duties with John(ny) Williams (unknown who played on which tracks).

Like Wild! (1959). Smith may have played some of the tracks on this album; the personnel are unknown. Available digitally, paired with Anthony's Plays Steve Allen (which doesn't involve Smith).

Music from Peter Gunn (1959 EP). Again, Smith may have played the tracks on this EP; all four were recorded in a single session, but the personnel are unknown.

Quite a few of Smith's recordings with Anthony were unissued by Capitol, and remain unreleased to this day: "Bunny Hop Boogie," "The Bells of Verona," "Blue," "Blues Theme," "Golden Sunbeams," "Goodbye Rome," "Goodnight Ladies," "Groovin' Along," "Havana Moon," "In My Heart," "Moon Dreams," "Moon Tide," "My Love," "My Song," "Pavane," "Regret," "The Shadows," "Silver Threads and Golden Needles," "Swan Lake," "Tonight We Love," "Vanguard," "Walk to the Ring" and "Who Can Tell?"


Louis Armstrong

Under the Stars (1958), as a member of the Russell Garcia Orchestra. Available digitally.

I've Got the World on a String (1960), as a member of the Russell Garcia Orchestra. Available digitally.


Georgie Auld and His Orchestra

Mercury 45 single:
"You Are My Sunshine"/"Margie" (1956)

In the Land of Hi-Fi (1956), as a member of Auld's orchestra. Available digitally.

Dancing in the Land of Hi-Fi (1956). All but two tracks -- "Back Home in Indiana" and "Rosetta," done by Andre Previn -- as a member of Auld's orchestra. Available digitally. [One of this album's recording sessions, on April 12, 1956, included two additional tracks -- "Blues in the Night" and "Our Love Is Here to Stay" -- that Mercury never issued.]


Georgie Auld and His Rockin' Rhythm

Rhythm 'n Blues (1956 EP). All four tracks: "Cherry Pink (And Apple Blossom Wine)," "Jam Up," "Plantation Boogie" and "Rib Tips," as a member of Auld's Octet.

Lyn Avalon

Skylark 45 single:
"Let Me Hear You Say I Love You"/"Crazy Crazy" (1953), backed by the Paul Smith Quartet, with Tony Rizzi (g), Sam Cheifetz (b) and Irving Cottler (d).

Pearl Bailey

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Chet Baker

Albert's House (1969). Smith plays piano and organ in a quintet featuring Baker (t), Barney Kessel (g), Jim Hugbart (b) and Frank Capp (d). Available digitally.

Les Baxter and His Orchestra

Capitol Records 45 singles:
"Elaine (Gitane)"/"Cornflakes" (1953).
"Tropicana"/"Julie" (1953).

All four tracks are on Baxter's 1955 album Kaleidoscope, so it's possible Smith played on the rest.

Louis Bellson Orchestra

Around the World in Percussion (1961).

Tony Bennett

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Mel Blanc

Capitol Records single:
"Money"/[Smith not involved] (1954), as a member of Billy May's Orchestra

Pat Boone

Sings Guess Who? (1963). Smith arranged and conducted, and plays piano in an 11-piece backing band. Available digitally.

How Great Thou Art (1967). Smith conducted; unknown if he also played. Available digitally.

In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy (1997). Four tracks: "Crazy Train," "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," "Smoke on the Water" and "The Wind Cries Mary," among scores of other musicians. Available digitally.


Buddy Bregman and His Orchestra

Swinging Kicks (1957). Five tracks: "Honey Chile," "Kicks Swings," "Melody Lane," "Melody Room" and "Melodyville." Available digitally.

Ron Brown

The Girl I Love (2001). Smith backs Brown on solo piano. Available digitally.

Sonny Burke and his Orchestra

Mambo Jambo (1951). Smith shares piano duties with Sonny Burke.

The Uncollected Sonny Burke and His Orchestra: 1951 (1981). All tracks. Available digitally.


Pete Candoli and His Orchestra

Capitol Records 45 single:
"The Big Top"/"St. Louis Blues-Boogie" (1954).

Vikki Carr

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Benny Carter

RCA Victor 45 single (1952).
"Wanna Go Home"/"You Belong to Me"
Both songs, along with "Georgia On My Mind," recorded during the same session, can be found on 1979's Benny Carter (1928-1952) compilation album, available digitally.

Dick Cathcart

BIX MCMLIX (1959). Eight tracks: "At the Jazz Band Ball," "Candlelights," "Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider," "In a Mist," "Jazz Me Blues," "Louisiana," "Riverboat Shuffle" and "Sweet Sue, Just You," as part of a large ensemble.

Ray Charles and Cleo Laine

Porgy & Bess (1976). Smith shares piano duties with Ralph Grierson. Available digitally.

June Christy

Capitol Records 45 single:
"Magazines"/[Smith not involved] (1954), as a member of Pete Rugolo's Orchestra.

Something Cool (1956). One track: "Midnight Sun," as a member of Pete Rugolo's Orchestra. Both are available on the 1991 digital re-release of Something Cool.

Rosemary Clooney

Love (1963). Smith shares piano duties with Donn Trenner, as part of Nelson Riddle's Orchestra. Available digitally.

Smith also accompanied her on tours.


Carl Coccomo

Loud & Clear (195?), accompanying the vocalist with trio members Wilfred Middlebrooks (b) and Frank Capp (d).

Marion Colby

Capitol Records 45 singles:
"Livin' with the Blues"/"I'm No Angel" (1958), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.
"A Man Could Be a Wonderful Thing"/"He Like It! She Like It" (1958), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.

Nat "King" Cole

Sings Ballads of the Day (1953). One track: "My One Sin." Available digitally.

Nat King Cole with Nelson Riddle (1954). Digitized as part of The Complete Nelson Riddle Studio Sessions (2017).

Nat King Cole with Billy May (1957). Five tracks: "Blue Moon," "With You on My Mind," "Don't Try," "Send for Me" and "Let's Make More Love." Digitized as part of The Billy May Sessions (1993).

Capitol Records singles:

"Send for Me"/[Smith not involved] (1957)
"The Song of Raintree County"/"With You on My Mind" (1957)
"Orange Colored Sky" (1961, as a member of the Stan Kenton Orchestra)/[Smith didn't played on side B]
"Wanderlust"/[Smith not involved] (1964)
[Smith not involved]/"L-O-V-E" (1964)
"Marnie"/"More and More of Your Amor" (1964)

Six Nat King Cole recordings with Smith on piano went unreleased until being digitized in various compilations years later: "I'll Always Be Remembering," "I'll Never Settle for Less" and "United," recorded August 24, 1954; and "Blue Moon," "Don't Try" and "Let's Make Love (I Want Your Love)," recorded May 14, 1957.

Pinto Colvig, with Stan Freberg

Capitol Records single:

Bozo at the Dog Show (1954), a children's record, as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.

Frank Comstock and His Orchestra

1962 (1969).

Eddie Condon and His Orchestra

Jam Session with Eddie Condon (1957). Smith wrote the liner notes (but did not play).

Bing Crosby

Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings (1956). Available digitally.

A Southern Memoir (1975). Smith arranged and conducted, in addition to his piano work in the 12-piece band. Available digitally.

Bingo Viejo (1975).


Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters

Decca 10-inch 78RPM shellac
[Smith did not play on side A]]/"Tallahassee" (1947)

Gary Crosby

The Happy Bachelor (1959). Smith backs Crosby with one quartet and two different quintets. Available digitally, paired with Crosby's Belts the Blues (which does not involve Smith).

"Scat Man" Crothers

Rock 'n' Roll with "Scat Man" (1956). Smith heads a combo featuring Babe Russin (ts), Al Hendrickson (g), Larry Breen (b) and Jack Sperling and Milt Holland (d). Available digitally.

Hoyt Curtin and Chorus

Hollywood Directory (1965). Smith shares keyboard duties with Buddy Cole and Curtin, in a combo that features Tommy Shepard (tb), George Hyde (French horn) and Andy Kostelas (sax and flute).

Sammy Davis Jr.

Smith spent four years as pianist and conductor for Davis' live shows, from 1972-76, but they made no albums together.

Billy Daniels

You Go to My Head (1957). Smith shares piano duties with Benny Payne and Jimmy Rowles, as members of Benny Carter's Orchestra. Available digitally.

Doris Day

Lullaby of Broadway (1951). Three tracks -- "Just One of Those Things," "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" and "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me," as a member of the Frank Comstock Orchestra. Available digitally.

"My whole career was based on an eight-bar solo I played on [that] Doris Day date," Smith recalled, in a 1996 San Diego Union-Tribune interview. "I'll never forget it, 'Just One of Those Things.' It was strictly a vocal album, but it happened to have those little eight bars in it, and I gave them my all. Frank Comstock, an old San Diego High buddy, hired me for the job, and one of the people who heard it was Paul Weston, who was the head of Columbia Records at the time ... he's the guy who really got me started in this town."


Buddy DeFranco

Closed Session (1957). One track: "My Blue Heaven" (as Irving Garner).

I Hear Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw (1957): Three tracks: "Cross Your Heart," "Indian Love Call" and "Medley: Dancing in the Dark/Moonglow/Time on My Hands" (as Irving Garner). Available digitally.

Buddy DeFranco Plays Artie Shaw (1957). Three tracks: "Frenesi," "Stardust" and "Summit Ridge Drive" (as Irving Garner). Available digitally.


Jim DeJulio

Fascinating Jazz (1994). Two tracks: "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Have You Met Miss Jones," in a trio featuring DeJulio (d) and Chris Trujilio (percussion). Available digitally.

Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra

At the Fat Man's 1946-48 (1993). Smith plays on 13 of the 20 tracks on this digital release.

The Dorsey Orchestra

A Toast to Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey (1959). Smith shares piano duties with Milt Raskin. Available digitally.

Ziggy Elman and his Orchestra

Four tracks recorded on 12/18/47: "Hub-je-de-bee," "My Reverie," "The Night Is Young and You're So Beautiful" and "Take Me in Your Arms."

Four tracks recorded on 12/21/47: "Always," "Bublitchki," "Irresistible You" and "You're Mine, You."

Most were released as MGM 10-inch 78RPM shellacs; all but "Hub-je-de-bee" and "Bublitchki" were re-released on Elman's 1951 LP, Play for Your Dancing Pleasure, which is available digitally.


Frances Faye

Frances Faye in Frenzy (1961). Eight tracks: "Heat Wave," "I Cried for You," "Miserlou," "Out of This World," "Shortnin' Bread," "South of the Border," "Temptation" and "Toreodor," as a member of Russ Garcia's Orchestra. Available digitally, paired with Faye's Swinging All the Way (which does not involve Smith).

Ella Fitzgerald

Here Come the Girls (1956). Two tracks: "It's Only a Man" and "Too Young for the Blues." ["Stay Here" and "The Sun Forgot to Shine This Morning," recorded during the same 1/25/56 session and also featuring Smith, were released as singles.]

Sings the Cole Porter Songbook (1956). Smith plays on all tracks except for "Night and Day," as a member of Buddy Bregman's Orchestra. Available digitally.

Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook (1957). Smith shares keyboard duties with Oscar Peterson, as a member of Ellington's Orchestra. Available digitally.

Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook (1958), as a member of a studio orchestra conducted by Paul Weston. Available digitally.

Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book (1959). Smith shares keyboard duties with Lou Levy, in an orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle. Available digitally.

Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book (1959), as a member of the studio orchestra conducted by Buddy Bregman. Available digitally.

Get Happy! (1959). Four tracks: "Blue Skies," "Cheerful Little Earful," "Somebody Loves Me" and "The Swingin' Shepherd Blues" (the latter a bonus track on 1998's digital reissue), in studio orchestras conducted by Nelson Riddle and Paul Weston.

Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife (1960). Smith fronts a quartet featuring Jim Hall (g), Wilfred Middlebrooks (b) and Gus Johnson (d). Available digitally.

Sings Songs from the Soundtrack of "Let No Man Write My Epitaph" (1960). Fitzgerald is backed solely by Smith, on an album later re-titled The Intimate Ella. Available digitally.

Sings the Harold Arlen Song Book (1961), as a member of a studio orchestra conducted by Billy May. Available digitally.

Twelve Nights in Hollywood (1961). The fourth disc in a 2009 digital compilation: actually an unreleased Verve album of 12 live tracks from a June 1962 gig at LA's The Crescendo, with Smith heading a trio featuring Wilfred Middlebrooks (b) and Stan Levey (d).

Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook (1963), as a member of a studio orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle. Available digitally.

Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook (1964). Smith heads a quintet featuring Plas Johnson (ts), Willie Smith (as), Buddy DeFranco (cl) and Frank Flynn (v). Available digitally.

Dream Dancing (1978). One track: "Love for Sale," as a member of a studio orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle. Available digitally.

Digital III at Montreux (1980). Two tracks: "Flying Home" and "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You," with Smith heading a quartet that features Freddie Green (g), Keter Betts (b) and Micky Roker (d). Available digitally.

The Lost Berlin Tapes (2020). A 1962 performance at Berlin's Sportpalast, backed by the Smith's Trio, featuring Wilfred Middlebrooks (b) and Stan Levey (d). Discovered in 2020.


Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Porgy & Bess (1959). Eight tracks: "Bess, Oh Where's My Bess," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin,'" "It Ain't Necessarily So," "Oh Lawd, I'm On My Way," "Summertime," "There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York" and "A Woman Is a Sometime Thing," as a member of a studio orchestra conducted by Russell Garcia. Available digitally.

Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie

Ella and Basie: A Perfect Match (1980). As a member of a large ensemble on all but the final track, "Basella," which features Basie on piano. Available digitally.

Tennessee Ernie Ford

Capitol Records singles, as a member of the Billy May Orchestra:

"The Honeymoon's Over"/"This Must Be the Place" (1954).
"Somebody Bigger Than You And I"/"There Is Beauty in Everything" (1954).
"River of No Return"/"Give Me Your Word" (1954).
"Eins, Zwei, Drei (One, Two, Three"/"Losing You" (1954).
[Smith not involved]/"Have You Seen Her" (1954).
"I Am a Pilgrim"/"His Hands" (1955).

All are gathered digitally on The Capitol Singles 1953-1955 (2020).


The Four Freshmen

Voices in Fun (1961), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra. Available digitally, paired with the album First Affair (which does not involve Smith).

The Four Knights

Capitol Records singles, as a member of the Billy May Orchestra:

"How Wrong Can You Be"/[Smith not involved] (1954).
"I Was Meant for You (The Wah-Wah Song)"/"They Tell me" (1954).

The latter two are gathered digitally on The 4 Knights: Jivin' and Smoothin', Original Recordings 1951-1959 (1997).

The Four Knights (1959). One track, "The One Rose (That's Left in My Heart)," as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.

Stan Freberg

Capitol Records singles, as a member of the Billy May Orchestra:

"The Lone Psychiatrist"/"The Honey Earthers" (1955).
"Nuttin' for Christmas"/"The Night Before Christmas" (1955).
"The Great Pretender"/"The Quest for Bridey Hammerschlaugen" (1956)

A Child's Garden of Freberg (1957), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra. Three tracks: "Wide-Screen Mama," "The Great Pretender" and "Sh-boom."
The Best of the Stan Freberg Shows, Part One (1958), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.
The Best of the Stan Freberg Shows, Part Two (1958), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra

Mitzi Gaynor

Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gershwin (1959). Smith shares keyboard duties with Jimmy Rowles, in a large ensemble directed by Russell Garcia. Available digitally.

Dizzy Gillespie

Dizzy Gillespie Plays, and Johnny Richards Conducts (1950). As part of the Johnny Richards Orchestra. Six of the eight tracks are available digitally on 2001's four-disc box set, The Dizzy Gillespie Story.

Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman with Strings (1953). One track: "Embraceable You."

Benny Goodman Sextet

"By the Fireside," "Farewell Blues," "Toodle-Lee-Yoo-Doo" and "Who?," all recorded June 13, 1951. The first two are gathered on numerous digital compilations.

"Orange Colored Day," recorded July 6, 1961, went unreleased.

[All Benny Goodman entries are contradictory and therefor suspect.]


Conrad Gozzo

Goz the Great (1955), as a member of various small combos. Available digitally.

Linda Guymon

Steve Allen Presents Linda Guymon (1978), backing her alongside Barney Kessel (g) and Frankie Capp (d). Available digitally.

Toni Harper

Here Come the Girls! (1957). Three tracks -- "I Telephoned, I Telegraphed," "Love Is a Wonderful Thing" and "We've Got to Live, Got to Grow" -- as a member of the Buddy Bregman Orchestra.

A fourth track from the same session, "My Memory Book," is included in the 2014 digital compilation Toni Harper: Lost Voice. A fifth track from the same session, "I'm Getting the Message," remains unissued.


Jimmie Haskell

Jimmie Haskell's French Horns (1967), as a part of a backing septet.

Mary Hicks

Mr. Smith and I (2001). Smith backs Hicks on solo piano. Available digitally.

Joni James

Sings My Favorite Things (1964). Seven tracks: "Falling in Love with Love," "The Gentleman Is a Dope," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "My Favorite Things," "This Can't Be Love," "Wait Till You See Her" and "A Wonderful Guy," leading a backing quintet. Smith also arranged and conducted. Available digitally.

Sings the Gershwins (1964). Six tracks: "Bidin' My Time," "Love Walked Right In," "The Man I Love," "Nice Work if You Can Get It," " 'S Wonderful" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me," leading a backing quintet. Smith also arranged and conducted. Available digitally.


Plas Johnson

This Must Be the Plas (1959), as part of a combo featuring Johnson (as/ts); Tony Rizzi (g); Morty Corb (b); and Alvin Stoller (d). Available digitally.

Stanley-Johnson Orchestra

Have Harp Can't Travel (1959). Smith shares piano duties with Jeff Lewis, as a member of the Stanley-Johnson Orchestra.

Jack Kane

Kane Is Able (1958). Eight tracks: "Alfern Song," "Carioca," "Clare's Tune," "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," "Lazy River" "Poor Butterfly," "St. Louis Blues" and "Some of These Days," as a member of Kane's Orchestra.

Bob Keene and his Orchestra

Dancing on the Ceiling (1957). Seven tracks: "Begin the Beguine," "Boogie for a Nickel," "Dancing Tambourine," "Flying Home," "Isn't It Romantic," "Jug Stop and "Mimi."

Stan Kenton

Capitol Records single, as a member of the Stan Kenton Orchestra:

"Theme from Splendor in the Grass"/"Officer Krupke" (1961)

The King Sisters

Warm and Wonderful (1959), as a member of the Alvino Rey Orchestra. Available digitally, paired with Imagination (which does not involve Smith).

Hal Kratzsch

Following his brief tenure as a member of The Four Freshmen, on three 1955 Capitol Records studio dates -- March 11, April 13 and July 12 -- Kratzsch recorded 12 songs as a solo vocalist under the pseudonym "Hal Curtis," backed by Buddy Baker and His Orchestra, which included Smith. Capitol elected not to release the results, and the tracks presumably exist only in a vault somewhere.

The Lancers

Rhythm and Blues (1955 EP). All four tracks: "Afraid," "Close Your Eyes," "Get Out of the Car" and "Two Hearts," backing The Lancers vocal group, as a member of a combo that features Georgie Auld (ts), Quentin Andersen (tb), Joe Estren (bs), Bud Shank (as), Tony Rizzi and George Van Eps (g), Phil Stephens (b) and Irv Cottler (d).

Lee Ledoux

Sparky's Magic Echo (1952 10-inch 78RPM children's record), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.

Peggy Lee

Capitol Records singles, as a member of the Billy May Orchestra:

[Smith not involved]/"So Far, So Good" (1951)
[Smith not involved]/"Tonight You Belong to Me" (1951)

Both are available digitally.

Jump for Joy (1958), as a member of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Five tracks: "Ain't We Got Fun," "Cheek to Cheek," "Four or Five Times," "The Glory of Love" and "Jump for Joy." Available digitally.

Peggy Lee and Bing Crosby

Decca single, as a member of John Scott Trotter's Orchestra (1952)

[Crosby solo; Smith not involved]/"Little Jack Frost, Get Lost." Available digitally.

Norman Luboff Choir

Remember (1965), as a backing quartet with Dick Nash (tb), Manny Klein (t) and Gene Cipriano (woodwinds). Available digitally.

Nellie Lutcher

Our New Nellie (1956). Five tracks: "It Had to Be You," "The Nearness of You," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "This Can't Be Love," in a backing septet featuring Cappy Lewis (t), Red Norvo (v), Barney Kessel and Ulysses Livingston (g), Mike Rubin (b) and Alvin Stoller (d). Available digitally.

Micki Marlo

Capitol Records single, as a member of the Billy May Orchestra:

"I'm Going to Sit Right Down and Cry Over You"/"Forever Is Now" (1954)

Two additional tracks -- "Merci Beaucoup" and "'Leven Thirty Saturday Night" -- were recorded during the same session, but remain unreleased.

Dean Martin

Capitol Records 45 single:

"You Were Made for Love"/[Smith not involved] (1959), as a member of the Gus Levene Orchestra.

Three more songs recorded during the same session -- "Once Upon a Time (It Happened)," "Outta My Mind" and "The Magician" -- remained unreleased until being included as bonus tracks on the 2005 digital re-issue of 1958's This Is Dean Martin.


Tony Martin

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Johnny Mathis

Mathis Magic (1979). One track: "New York State of Mind." Available digitally.

Billy May and his Orchestra

Capitol Records 45 singles:

"Hi-Fi"/"The Song Is You" (1954).
"The Breeze and I"/"Whistle Stop" (1954)
[Smith not involved]/"Bill and Sam" (1954)
"Young at Heart"/"Lemon Twist" (1954)
"Hernando's Hideaway"/"Anything Can Happen Mambo" (1954)
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo"/"Loop de Loop Mambo" (1954)
"Suzette"/[Smith not involved] (1955)
"How Important Can It Be?"/"Let It Happen" (1955)
"The Cha Cha Cha (Arthur Murray Cha Cha)"/"Shaner Maidel" (1955)
"Oklahoma"/"Por Favor" (1955)
"Christopher Columbus"/"Floater" (1956)
[Smith not involved]/"Nightmare" (1956)
"The Man with the Golden Arm"/"The Phonograph Song (Our Melody)" (1956)
"Whatever Lola Wants"/"Just Between Friends" (1957)
"Seventy Six Trombones"/"Young and Dangerous" (1957)
Billy May's Naughty Operetta! (1954). Originally released as an eight-track 10-inch LP; re-issued later that year as an 11-track standard LP. Available digitally.

Sorta May (1955). Available digitally.

Billy May's Rico Mambo Orchestra: Arthur Murray Cha-Cha Mambos (1955). Five tracks: "Ain't She Sweet," "The Cha Cha Cha (Arthur Murray Cha Cha)," "Cha Cha Bamer," "Ya Ya Ya, Cha Cha Cha" and "Mama Inez."

Billy May's Richo Mambo Orchestra: Mambos (1955). Two tracks on the re-issue of this 1951 10-inch LP: "Chopsticks Mambo" and "Mais Oui Mambo."

Sorta Dixie (1955). Smith plays piano, celesta and calliope. Available digitally.

Dance to the Bands (1956). Billy May's Orchestra, including Smith, is one of the many outfits on this anthology album. May's contributions are "Suddenly," "Mad About the Boy" and "Fascinating Rhythm."

Billy May Plays for Fancy Dancin' (1956). Six tracks: "It Happened in Monterey" "Say It Isn't So," "Be Honest with Me," "Stumbling," "Bye Bye Blackbird" and "You Turned the Tables on Me."

Billy May's Big Fat Brass (1958). Available digitally.

Billy May's Bacchanalia! (1985). This re-issue of a 1953 10-inch LP adds four tracks recorded with Smith back in 1955: "Pick Yourself Up," "Accent on Youth," "Show Me the Way to Go Home" and "It's the Natural Thing to Do." (Smith wasn't involved with the original release.)

Numerous songs including Smith, during various recording sessions, were not issued and remain unreleased to this day: "The Wailers," "Franck," "The Merry Month of May," "King Porter Stomp," "Trees" and "How About."


Rod McKuen

McKuen Country (1976). Smith shares piano duties with Pete Jolly, Lincoln Mayorga and Leslie Pearson. Available digitally.

Johnny Mercer

Johnny Mercer Sings Just for Fun in Stereo (1956). Backed by the Paul Smith Trio (sidemen unspecified). The digital version includes numerous demos with Mercer backed by Hoagy Carmichael and Andrew Previn.

The Monkees

The Birds, the Bees and the Monkees (1968). One track, on tack piano: "Magnolia Simms." Available digitally.

Ella Mae Morse

Capitol Records 45 single:

"An Occasional Man"/"Birmingham" (1955), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.

Abe Most

Mister Clarinet (1955). In a quintet that features Most (clarinet, flute), Tony Rizzi (g), Joe Mondragon (b) and Larry Bunker (d).

Gerry Mulligan

Jam Session Record No. 102 (1952). Two tracks: "I Cover the Waterfront"/"I'm in the Mood for Love" and "Tiny's Blues," in a sextet with Mulligan and Dave Pell (ts), Ted Ottison (t), Joe Mondragon (b) and Billy Wilson (d). Available digitally under the title Gerry Mulligan: Jam Session!

Ozzie Nelson

The Uncollected Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra 1940-42 (1977). Four tracks: "Autumn Nocturne," "Cutting Classes," "Jersey Jive" and "Texas Jump." Available digitally.

Paul Nero

Nero Fiddles (1951). In a quintet that features Nero (violin), Tony Rizzi (g), Ray Leatherwood (b) and Jack Sperling (d).

Skylark Records 45 single:

Jam Session: "Sweet Georgia Brown"/"Cool Canary Blues" (1952). In an octet with Nero (violin), Maynard Ferguson (t), Bob Cooper (ts), Abe Most (cl), Tony Rizzi (guitar), Stan Fletcher (b) and Irv Cottler (d).

Anita O'Day

Anita (aka This Is Anita, 1956), as a member of the Buddy Bregman Orchestra. Available digitally.

Pick Yourself Up with Anita O'Day (1957), as a member of the Buddy Bregman Orchestra. The digital version includes nine bonus tracks.

Anita O'Day Sings the Winners (1958). All the tracks on LP Side B, as a member of the Russell Garcia Orchestra. Available digitally.

Anita O'Day Swings Cole Porter with Billy May (1959). One bonus track -- "You're the Top" -- on the 1991 digital reissue, as a member of the Buddy Bregman Orchestra.


Bunny Paul

Capitol Records 45 singles, as a member of Billy May's Orchestra:

"Please Have Mercy"/"These Are the Things We'll Share" (1955).
[Smith not involved]/"Open the Door" (1955)

Les Paul (as a member of his 1946-47 combos)

Galloping Guitars (1951 10-inch LP): "Begin the Beguine," "Blue Skies," "Dark Eyes," "Dream Dust," "Guitar Boogie" and "Steel Guitar Rag," as a trio with Paul (g) and Bob Meyer (b). The 1997 digital compilation Les Paul: The Trio's Complete Decca Recordings (1936-47) includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks with the same trio: "Caravan" and "Somebody Loves Me."

[YouTube videos that claim Smith was part of the Les Paul combo that recorded "Short Circuit," "Swanee River," "Lazy River" and "Wasted Tears" probably are incorrect.]


Les Paul Quartet with Bing Crosby

A 2/13/47 recording sessions produced "Gotta Get Me Somebody to Love," "What Am I Gonna Do About You" and "Drifting and Dreaming (Sweet Paradise)," with Crosby backed by Paul and Cal Gooden Jr. (g), Bob Meyer (b) and Smith (p). The first two were issued as a 1947 Decca single, the third on a 1949 Decca 10-inch LP, Drifting and Dreaming. All are available digitally in various Crosby compilations.

Dave Pell

The Les Brown All Stars (1955). Three tracks: "Klump Jump," "Mike's Peak" and "Poopsie," as a member of the Dave Pell Octet, alongside Pell (ts), Bob Gordon (bs), Don Fagerquist (t), Ray Sims (tb), Tony Rizzi (g), Joe Mondragon (b) and Jack Sperling (d). Available digitally.

I Had the Craziest Dream (1957). As a member of the Dave Pell Octet, alongside Pell (ts), Bob Gordon or Ronnie Lang (bs), Don Fagerquist (t), Ray Sims (tb), Tony Rizzi (g), Rolly Bundock (b), Jack Sperling (d) and Roy Harte (bongos). Available digitally.

The Big Small Bands (1960). Three tracks -- "Jumpin' with Symphony Sid," "Viva Zapata" and "Dark Eyes" -- as a member of the Dave Pell combo, alongside Pell (ts), Jack Sheldon (t), Bob Enevoldsen (vib), Bobby Gibbons (g), Red Mitchell (b) and Frank Capp (d, bongos). Smith must not have been happy with the results, as he hid behind his occasional pseudonym, "Art Flickriter."


Jane Powell

Can't We Be Friends (1956). As a member of the Buddy Bregman Orchestra. Available digitally.

Sue Raney

Complete Capitol Years 1956-1960 (2013). Smith apparently was present in one or more of her backing orchestras; no details given. Available digitally.

Margie Rayburn

Capitol Records 45 single:

[Smith not involved]/"Basin Street Blues" (1955), as a member of the Dennis Farnon Orchestra.

Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich Just Sings (1957), in a backing sextet that features Harry Edison (t), Ben Webster (ts), Howard Roberts (g), Joe Mondragon (b) and Alvin Stoller (d). Available digitally.

Trudy Richards

Crazy in Love (1957), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra. Available digitally.

The Artie Shaw Orchestra

A Tribute to Artie Shaw (1959). Four tracks: "Frenesi," "Moonglow," "Stardust" and "Temptation." Available digitally.

Frank Sinatra

In the Wee Small Hours (1955). Eight tracks: "Can't We Be Friends," "Dancing on the Ceiling," "Glad to Be Unhappy," "I See Your Face Before Me," "I'll Be Around," "Ill Wind," "Mood Indigo" and "What Is This Thing Called Love," with Smith playing celeste as a member of either a rhythm quintet -- with Bill Miller (p), George Van Eps (g), Phil Stephens (b) and Alvin Stoller (d) -- or Nelson Riddle's Orchestra. Available digitally.

Frank Sinatra and Ray Anthony

Capitol Records single:

"Melody of Love"/"I'm Gonna Live Till I Die" (1955).

Both songs, along with "Sea Song" (recorded with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, also with Smith) are gathered on the 1996 Sinatra digital anthology, The Complete Capitol Singles Collection.


Keely Smith

Capitol Records 45 single:
"S'posin"/"The Song Is You" (1965), as a member of the Billy May Orchestra.

Keely Smith recorded two more songs during this session -- "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and "I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You" -- which remained unreleased for decades, along with several more songs recorded with the Billy May Orchestra (including Paul Smith) during two additional 1958 sessions: "I'll Never Smile Again," "Sweet and Lovely," "All the Way," "Lullaby of the Leaves," "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)," "I Can't Get Started," "Cocktails for Two" and "I Never Knew." All of them, along with the two songs on the single above, finally were digitized and included in the 2008 compilation release, The Very Best of Keely Smith.


Stuff Smith Quartet

Stuff Smith: Cat on a Hot Fiddle (1959). Three tracks: "Blue Violin," "Take the A Train" and "Undecided," backing Smith as a trio, with Red Mitchell (b) and Sid Bulkin (d). Available digitally.

Joanie Sommers

A Fine Romance (1993). As a backing trio with Jim DeJulio (b) and Frank Capp (d). Available digitally.

Jeri Southern

Jeri Southern Meets Cole Porter (1959). Eight tracks: "I Concentrate on You," "Get Out of Town," "Which," "After You," "It's Bad for Me," "You're the Top," "Let's Fly Away" and "Don't Look at Me That Way."

Judy Spira

Outstanding Records 45 single:

"Blue"/"You Need Love" (1968), with Smith on organ.

Spira was a vocal student of Smith's wife.


Glen Sponseller and his Great Orchestra

Swing with Real Gusto: The 12 Hits That Made the Big Bands Famous (1962). Re-titled Frank Comstock and His Orchestra: 1962 for a 1969 re-release.

Jo Stafford

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Lyn Stanley

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Kay Starr

Capitol Records 45 single:

"Wheel of Fortune"/"I Wanna Love You" (1952), as a member of a backing orchestra. Both are available on digital compilation albums.

Yma Sumac

Mambo! (1954), as a member of Billy May's Rico Mambo Orchestra.
Expanded to a 1956 LP of the same title, with four additional tracks, backed by the same personnel. Some tracks available digitally on 2000's The Ultimate Yma Sumac Collection.

Toni Tennille

More Than You Know (1984). Smith played piano and celesta. Available digitally.

They also toured together for a bit, after Tennille became a solo act.


Claudia Thompson

Goodbye to Love (1959). Four tracks: "Blue Prelude," "Fan Me," "The Morning After" and "Some of These Days." Available digitally.

Mel Torme

Accompanied during performances; no known albums.

Charles Turner

What's New (1983). As a member of a large ensemble conducted by Frank Sinatra, who embraced that role as a favor to longtime trumpet accompanist Turner. Available digitally.

Joe Valenti

Going for Baroque (2002). Duet album with Smith and trumpeter Valenti. Available digitally.

Rudy Vallee

Songs of a Vagabond Lover (1954). As a member of the Billy May Orchestra. Available digitally.

Various artists

Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl (1956). In a group backing Ella Fitzgerald. Available digitally.

Return to Happiness: Jazz at the Philharmonic -- Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo 1983 (1986). Smith shares keyboard duties with Oscar Peterson. Available digitally.


Sarah Vaughan

Accompanied on tour; no known albums.

Annette Warren [Smith's wife]

Melancholy Me (1972). Smith arranged, conducted and played backing piano.

It's What You Believe In (1979). Smith arranged, conducted and played piano and keyboards, alongside Dominic Mumolo (flute), Cynthia Marie Phelps (viola), Tony Rizzi (g) and James Hughart (b).

Annette Warren Sings ... There's a Man in My Life, Plus Selected Rarities (2016). Disc One contains 22 songs originally released on Starland Records 78s between 1950 and '54, with Warren accompanied by the Paul Smith Trio: Smith, Red Callender (b) and Wes Nellermoe (g), with Marshal Royal occasionally guesting on clarinet.


Paul Weston and His Orchestra

Mood for 12 (1955). Available digitally.

Solo Mood (1956). Available digitally.

Floatin' Like a Feather (1959). Available digitally.

Carefree (1959).

The Sweet and the Swinging(1960). Available digitally.

Easy Jazz (1977).


Don Wilson and the Starlighters

Little Toot (1948 10-inch 78RPM children's record), as a member of Billy May's Orchestra.


Gloria Wood

Capitol Records 45 single:

"Hey Bellboy"/"Anybody Hurt?" (1953), as a member of the Pete Candoli Orchestra, alongside Candoli and Conrad Gozzo (t), Ed Kusby and Si Zentner (tb), Skeets Herfurt (as), Ted Nash (ts), Joe Mondragon (b) and Alvin Stoller (d). Available digitally.

Frank Zappa (!)

Lumpy Gravy (1967). Smith plays piano, celeste, keyboards and harpsichord, sharing duties with Pete Jolly, Michael Lang and Lincoln Mayorga.

*********

Films

A 1994 interview/feature in The Los Angeles Times mentions that Smith "composed, arranged and played on the soundtracks of hundreds of films." I've no reason to doubt that, but -- until the final few decades of the 20th century -- the only musicians cited in movie credits tended to be the composer(s) and, possibly, conductor(s) and arranger(s). Individual musicians remained nameless and -- outside of union contracts -- lost to the mists of time. It's therefore extremely difficult to cite specifics, and I've come across only the few below.

Following Smith's death in 2013, numerous obituaries cited film score work under the batons of composers Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin and Alfred Newman. Smith himself noted, in that 1994 LA Times interview, that "It was a joy just to go in and listen to the string sections orchestrated by Alfred Newman or Max Steiner."

Unfortunately, the hunt for Smith's film efforts is complicated by the simultaneous Hollywood presence of Paul J. Smith, a composer and violinist best known for his work on Disney animated shorts and films, and live-action features, from 1936 to 1963. (Our Paul Smith, remember, is Paul T. Smith.)

The following short list is all I've been able to confirm for our Paul Smith:



They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969). Smith shared keyboard duties with Ronnell Bright and John Green, as part of the orchestra under composer Green.

Land of the Sea (1969). Smith is credited with this documentary's original score.

The Omega Man (1971). Smith shared keyboard duties with Ray Turner, as part of the orchestra under composer Ron Grainer.

The Legend of Amaluk: An Arctic Odyssey (1972). Smith is credited with the title theme.

The Bingo Long Traveling All Stars and Motor Kings (1976). Smith shared keyboard duties with Ray Sherman, as part of the orchestra under composer William Goldstein.

Nickelodeon (1976). Smith arranged the songs "Daisy Bell," "Home on the Range," "The Old Grey Mare" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King," but did not receive credit for doing so.


********

Concert films (?)

These two suspect entries are present solely in David Meeker's Jazz on the Screen database. The first would be a filmed companion to the album Return to Happiness: Jazz at the Philharmonic -- Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo 1983 (which definitely exists). The second is totally obscure, and neither appears to have been released commercially.

Jazz at the Philharmonic in Japan. Smith's trio -- Keter Betts (b) and Bobby Durham (d) -- backs Ella Fitzgerald during one number in this concert, recorded live on 10/17/83 at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Stadium.

Ella Fitzgerald in Milano (1984). Smith's quartet -- Joe Pass (electric guitar), Keter Betts (b) and Bobby Durham (d) -- backs Fitzgerald.


********

Television

Reading again from Smith's own mini-bio sheet, his small-screen credits include "pianist/arranger for shows hosted by -- or appearances made by -- Red Skelton, Dinah Shore, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Carol Burnett, Jo Stafford, Gordon McCrae, Tony Martin and many, many others."

Unfortunately, many of Smith's obituaries are sloppy with details. As one example, several obits -- likely originating from the same single source -- claim that "...he spent more than 25 years as the music director on The Steve Allen Comedy Hour, and eight years as music director on The Dinah Shore Show."

Let's unpack this.

Shore's first series, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, ran from 1956-63; during that time, Harry Zimmerman was the primary music director, with Paul Weston most frequently subbing. The liner notes for Smith's 1960 album, The Sound of Music, mention that "[Smith's] fine solo work made him a standout on the Dinah Shore show for five years, where he was frequently joined by his wife, singer-pianist Annette Warren." It's probably safe to assume that he remained with the show until its conclusion ... but as a performer, not music director.

The daytime Dinah's Place ran from 1970-74, with John Rodby as music director; Smith apparently wasn't involved.

It was followed by the syndicated Dinah! (later Dinah & Friends), which ran from 1974-80, and Smith was indeed music director for at least part of that run. So the implication that The Dinah Shore Show was a single entity is incorrect, and Smith's involvement is incomplete and/or incorrect.

Moving on to Steve Allen, he hosted The Tonight Show from 1954-57; no music director was credited, and Allen -- an exceptional keyboardist in his own right -- supervised the music and performed on piano himself. The Steve Allen Plymouth Show came next, and ran from 1956-60; the most frequent music director was Skitch Henderson. That was followed by The New Steve Allen Show (1961-64) and The Steve Allen Playhouse (1962-64), neither of which listed a music director.

The Steve Allen Comedy Hour was a 1967 summer replacement show that ran only eight episodes ... hardly "more than 25 years." Celebrated jazz vibraphonist Terry Gibbs was the music director, and here (finally!) a little light is shed. An extensive interview includes this comment: "Doing The Tonight Show was like a guessing game all the time. We never rehearsed with anybody, Steve worked ... everything came off the top of his head. He adlibbed the whole show, and we'd have to follow him. I'd look at Paul Smith on piano, who was the best television piano player, and Frank Capp on drums. I could have done it with just the two of them. After doing that, we did a Johnny Carson-style show for awhile. Then Steve got called to do a variety show, and he called me and asked if I wanted to do it with a big band." Ergo, Gibbs and Smith clearly were members of (some? all?) the studio orchestras with whom Allen worked.

Allen returned to the weekday late-night variety/talk show format with the syndicated Steve Allen Show, which ran from 1968-71. And yes, Smith served as music director on this one. The truth, then, is that Smith and Allen likely worked together -- off and on -- for 17 years, but Smith's tenure as music director was solely during the final three years.


Otherwise, Smith's known TV work and appearances are:



The Bing Crosby Show for Oldsmobile. The 9/29/59 episode, starring Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Peggy Lee, features Smith in Axel Stordahl's Orchestra, as it backs Crosby's vocals.

Honey West. Smith was part of the jazz orchestra led by composer Joseph Mullendore, during the show's run from 9/17/65 to 4/8/66, and also fulfilled the same role on Mullendore's soundtrack album.

Soundstage: Ella (November 20, 1979). Smith backs Fitzgerald during most (all?) of this telefilm, which also starred Count Basie.

Memorex TV commercials. Smith's trio backed several of Ella Fitzgerald's popular "Is it live, or is it Memorex?" spots in the 1970s, and he can be seen on camera in at least one 1978 ad.

Previn & The Pittsburgh. Smith and a combo, along with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, back Fitzgerald during her performances in a 1979 episode of this classical music series.

The Exciting Terry Gibbs Big Band. Smith is pianist in Gibbs' band, on this 1982 TV (?) special.

Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable. Smith shares keyboard duties with Dick Hyman in this 11/4/88 episode of PBS' Great Performances.

Alf (April 17, 1989). Smith handles the silent movie-style solo piano work that's heard when the title character imagines himself in an old black-and-white melodrama. (Can you believe this inane show lasted four years?)




My fondness for Paul Smith notwithstanding, I'm better known as Vince Guaraldi's biographer; you can check out all my Guaraldi pages at the link below.

The Vince Guaraldi index page